The call for general election made by British Prime Minster House of Commons backed the PM by a margin of 522 votes to 13, above the two-thirds majority needed, as Labour and the Lib Dems supported the move.

The PM has argued a fresh mandate would strengthen her hand in Brexit talks and provide certainty for the future. Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the poll but accused the PM of changing her mind and breaking promises on a range of issues.

The next general election had been expected in 2020, but the Fixed Term Parliaments Act allows for one to be held earlier if it has the support of two-thirds of MPs.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe has stated that the world is at the threshold of digital economy and therefore the island nation should go for digitalization. A digital economy should be established in Sri Lanka to strengthen the national economy. As a first step, Wi-Fi zones will be set up throughout the island.